How to Spot Fake New Balance Shoes
How to Spot Fake New Balance Shoes
Blog Article
New Balance is a popular and trusted footwear brand, making it a target for counterfeiters. Fake New Balance shoes often look similar to the real ones, but there are key differences in quality, design, and branding. Here’s how you can spot fake New Balance shoes and ensure you’re buying an authentic pair.
1. Check the Retailer and Price
- Authorized Sellers: Purchase from official New Balance stores, reputable retailers, or the brand’s official website.
- Too Good to Be True: If the price is significantly lower than normal, it’s likely a fake.
2. Inspect the Box and Packaging
- Authentic Packaging: Real New Balance shoes come in sturdy, well-branded boxes with a label indicating size, model, and manufacturing details.
- Poor Printing or Errors: Fake boxes often have blurry logos, misspellings, or inconsistent fonts.
3. Examine the Logo and Branding
- Embossed “N” Logo: The “N” on real New Balance shoes is stitched neatly with high-quality materials, while fakes may have glued or irregular logos.
- Misaligned Text: Fake shoes often have uneven or incorrect branding on the tongue, insole, and heel.
4. Look at the Quality of Materials
- Premium Materials: Genuine New Balance shoes use high-quality leather, mesh, or suede, whereas copyright versions may feel cheap and plasticky.
- Strong Stitching: Authentic pairs have clean, even stitching, while fakes may have loose threads and inconsistent patterns.
5. Verify the Sole and Cushioning
- Comfort and Support: New Balance is known for its comfortable cushioning. Fake shoes often lack proper arch support and feel stiff.
- Durable Outsole: The real outsoles are made of durable rubber with proper grip, while fake versions may have hard, cheap plastic soles.
6. Check the Serial Number and Tag
- Unique Serial Code: Every New Balance shoe has a unique serial number on the inside tag that matches the box.
- QR Code or Barcode: Scan it using your smartphone; fake shoes often have incorrect or non-functional codes.
7. Compare with an Authentic Pair
- Side-by-Side Comparison: If possible, compare with an original pair to spot differences in design, color, weight, and texture.
- Logo Placement: Fake shoes often have incorrect logo placement, slightly different shades of color, or different material textures.
8. Check Online Reviews and Seller Reputation
- Customer Feedback: Read reviews and ratings from other buyers.
- Return Policy: Authentic retailers offer easy returns, whereas copyright sellers may not have a clear refund policy.